"Many of them (foreign workers) work in the construction industry and build our beautiful homes. While they are here, let's show them the generosity and the warm-hearted nature of Singaporeans," said Mr Ng at the carnival which began yesterday.

Mr Ng also noted the vibrant presence of Singapore Sikhs.

"The size of Sikh community is 15,000 but your presence is disproportionate to your relative size to our population.It shows the vibrancy of your culture, the spirit of the people - all demonstrated very much here (carnival) today," said the minister.

India's High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf joined the community at the carnival, where 27 artists from the Jalandhar-based Apeejay College of Fine Arts are performing.